Emergency Prep: How To Keep Pipes from Freezing?
Water pipe freezes are quite common in cold temperatures. If you ignore the problem, it creates a lot of pressure inside the pipe. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to a burst pipe and possible flooding when no one is around to turn off the water.
The risk increases to a great extent when pipelines are laid above ground or in permafrost zones. They are exposed to several destructive environmental factors. When a pipe gets damaged, you have no option but to resort to expensive plumbing repairs. But don’t worry, it is possible to keep pipes from freezing. Let’s discuss some useful tips that will help resolve this issue.
Keep The Heating On
If you or your tenants plan to stay away from home for an extended period, keep the heat on. Generally, it is difficult to convince your tenants to leave it on while they are away if they are responsible for paying their utility bills. Tell them that heat can help prevent pipes from freezing. And, if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause significant water damage and losses to the property.
It is not mandatory to maintain the temperature you are used to during your permanent stay. But it should not fall below+10°C. Pipes should get enough heat to stay warm even in cold weather and prevent the water inside from freezing.
Drain The Faucet
If there is freezing weather in your area, pipe freezing is highly likely. So, open the faucet that feeds the pipe slightly so that the faucet drips gently. In this way, you can reduce the pressure in the plumbing system. Remember, if the pipe freezes, the pressure created between the blockage and the faucet can result in leaks or blasts. Opening the tap now and then will prevent this pressure from building up. It successfully stops the pipe from bursting. If the tap supplies both hot and cold water, open both one by one to prevent pipes from freezing.
Fix Cracks and Holes in Water Pipes
You should seal gaps around openings where pipes pass through walls or floors, especially where they let cold air in. As per your needs, you can use foam or caulk for this purpose.
Think of sealing openings on both the inside and outside of the wall or floor. If you are not able to find pipe leaks and fix them, contact Parzival Plumbing in Costa Mesa. We have good expertise in dealing with plumbing leaks. Our experienced plumbing experts eliminate all cracks and holes in water pipes. It will stop cold wind from entering water pipes from holes or leaks.
Heat Water Pipes
Remember, the tinder heating cable works like an electric blanket. It delivers heat directly to the pipe to keep it warm even in extremely cold weather. It works as a good solution for short sections of pipe that are at high risk of freezing. Be careful as these cables can be dangerous. So, follow the safety instructions while using them.
Insulate Water Pipes
If you live in an extremely cold area, water pipes in your house may need additional insulation to prevent freezing. You can do it with special pipe insulation or sheet insulation. It can keep the pipe closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe. If you don’t know how to insulate water pipes, contact our local plumbers in Laguna Beach. They will take care of everything and insulate water pipes perfectly. It will keep the water flowing in pipes during cold weather and prevent pipe freezing.
Know Your Home Plumbing Very Well
Always be prepared for potential plumbing hazards. First, find where your water pipes run and locate the water shut-off valves. Ensure you have easy access to the main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Parzival Plumbing to service your heating and plumbing system at least once in 90 days or before. It will make you aware of small problems and fix them before they become more serious. Book your appointment for our plumbing services in Santa Ana before winter arrives.
Use Our Hydro Jetting Services
It is very necessary to clear clogs in water pipes. Small blockages will turn into bigger ones and contribute to speedy freeze in pipes in winter. Sometimes, clogs are very complex and you can’t clean them with traditional cleaning methods. Book your appointment for our hydro Jetting services in Huntington Beach. We will eliminate even the most complicated clogs in water pipes and ensure water flows freely in them.
What To Do When Pipes Freeze?
Look For Water Leaks
Open all faucets in your home and see where water is dripping. It is a sure sign of a frozen pipe somewhere between the faucet and the water source. Start with the pipe closest to the faucet, and follow a line out from it. Probe every foot to find the coldest pipes, which are likely to hold the ice block.
Stop Water Supply To Frozen Pipes
Turn off the water supply to the frozen pipes by turning it clockwise to the “off” position. When the frozen block defrosts, it can release liquid that accumulates behind it, resulting in an unexpected leak. Get a bucket, a towel, and a mop to deal with it..
See The Water Pressure
Drain any remaining water in the house by opening all faucets in every sink, shower, and bathtub and flushing the toilet simultaneously. Heat the frozen sections of the pipe using a portable heater until full water pressure is restored.
Seek A Professional’s Help
When you turn the water back on throughout the house through the main water supply valve, water leakage is possible. Call our local plumbers in Laguna Niguel to deal with all such plumbing issues. They will fix the issue on the spot and help you unfreeze frozen pipes.
Conclusion
Water pipe freezing is quite common in winter and causes inconvenience. Use these tips to unfreeze frozen pipes. If the plumbing problem is serious, call Parzival Plumbing. They will look into the issue and unfreeze water pipes using more effective methods. Get a professional inspection of all your plumbing infrastructure before the arrival of winter. It helps clear clogs in pipes and minimizes the possibility of pipe freezing.
